Getting Started

For all of you wanting to keep tabs on the start of my new life adventure, I decided to become a blogger.  Should work out great huh...I like to talk, some of my friends like to listen, and the others just nod and smile at the appropriate times in order to humor me.  This should be a fun outlet, I can chatter, and you have the choice to read...or not.  I'll try to post weekly, and sometimes I'll post more frequently, just depends on what I'm up to.  I know there are lots of questions about my life here in NZ, so I'll make sure to throw in tidbits on what it's like to live here, quell the myth that New Zealand is a third world country, as well as update everyone on my day to day goings on.  For those of you thinking "Quell the myth that New Zealand is a third world country?" I have been asked enough questions about this country that I am convinced some do in fact believe I am no longer living in a modernized country...yes people, New Zealand does have grocery stores/super markets despite not having Wal-Mart.

So, without further ado, I introduce to you A Little More Southern...ramblings of a southern belle from Alabama who has decided to become an expat (immigrant) to the country of New Zealand.  New Zealand, for those that don't know, is an English speaking island country in the south Pacific.  It is the first country to hit the international dateline, so I'm a day ahead of everyone.  Currently, we're +12 hours UTC/GMT.  What does that mean?  It means that I am currently 19 hours ahead of everyone in the Central Standard Time zone.  New Zealand has its own currency and its own elected governing body.  Yes, they are somehow tied to England.  I'm not really sure how that works, but it seems to be that they celebrate the queen's birthday and yeah, that's about all.  I'm sure I'll figure it out eventually, and then you too can be in the know!  

I have been asked where NZ is located, so here let me show you...and no, it's not near Greenland...

World Map

And I live here...

New Zealand

Yes, I live out in the middle of nowhere, and yes, I am a bit far from home...around 8500 miles and 18 hours on plane to be exact.  I can think of no other place I would rather have moved to.  I mean, who wouldn't want to live where they filmed Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, Xena, and Hercules.  The country really is breathtaking, and so far I am more than pleased with my decision.  

With that being said, I hope you enjoyed the sample of what's to come.  As much as I would love to keep writing, I must run.  I have a busy week ahead, so there will be plenty more future updates!  I hope everyone on the other side of the world has a great upcoming week! XoXo